Vicki's Journey Home

For those of you who have followed the story of my dear friend Cherissa's mom, you'll want to know that she went Home early this morning. I don't know what to say except that she is dearly loved. You can read her blog here. Our love and prayers go out to her whole family.

Kids

Jonathan wanted to pose like this.

Grace getting into a drawer that is not off limits

Benjamin dreaming about milk

Cheese!

Here's the setup: Cheese was one of Grace's first words, but I don't think I've ever shared a video of how she says it. Even though she is talking like crazy now, she still says cheese the same way. In this clip, I'm trying to get her to say it, but first she is asking to do some laundry. (Seriously.) And then she does say it for me. This girl cracks me up. Enjoy!

Grace's 2nd Birthday Party

We had Grace's 2nd birthday party yesterday.  She's growing up as fast as everyone said she would, especially now that she has a younger sidekick!  I used her banner from last year, minus the "1st."  Last year she wasn't walking, wasn't talking...this year, she's so different and so much fun.  (And busy and challenging, but mostly fun.)


My mom helped out so much!  It was a simple, small party, but even simple and small are things I need help to accomplish these days.  Here are the cupcakes Mom made.  I still love my cupcake stand. Thanks to everyone who came and made our little party a success.  We missed those who couldn't make it.  And thanks to my sister for taking most of these pictures.


Darcy and Mary Ann's arrival


Mom and Benjamin


This is how Gracie usually looks:  on the move, unless she has stopped to ask for something she wants or to express her current and passionate emotion.



Doreen made her famous cookies even though she couldn't be there herself.


Corinne and her little buddy.  Corinne is carrying our niece, Charlotte, whom we're anxious to meet any day now.  She looks great but is ready to have Charlotte outside instead of inside!


Natalie, Mom, and Benjamin.  He is a smiley little guy...still doing the crazy back arching like Grace did.


Dad and Benjamin.  Dad hadn't seen Benjamin awake in a long time!


Time for gifts!





The dolly population has grown at our house!


A monkey and some other sweet gifts are here to stay, too.  Grace did a good job telling everyone thank-you (or, as she says, "nate-too,) and giving hugs.  I was thankful she did!


Two!  I had been thinking all week that a Good Mother would take the time to teach her girl to blow out a candle before the party.  I didn't do that...



But, Grace blew out her candle on the first try and surprised everyone, even herself.  She's staring at the smoke here.


She approached the cupcake quite differently than she did last year!


Mmmmm!


One last picture, Dad with four of his grandkids.

Gracie Quotes

This one's a conversation between Grace and me.

G:  Mad!!! (Whining sounds)
Me:  What made you mad?
G:  Sad.  (Sad sounds)
Me:  You're sad?
G:  Happy!  Feel better.


And here's a quote from Grace:

Little bird climbing up almond tree!

Benjamin Flying

Grace and My Dad

This Is a Raft...

and the kids are staying on it to be protected from the hot lava. Don't get burned!

Ready to Go

Here's a picture Jonathan took of us as we were ready to take him to school this morning. In the garage and ready to hit the road! Today was a no-shower day for me, so I'm a little grungy. Oh, well! Have I mentioned how much I love the Ergo carrier? I reallly love it. You can see here that Grace is holding Winnie the Pooh and Ballet Kitty, who have to go with us every time we go to school.

Almonds in Full Bloom